Our Staff
         Experience + Warmth

Our commitment to the care, education and safety of your children is reflected in our team. We hire therapists who have training in related fields and are well versed in the best practices of early childhood. Each member of our team nurtures each child in her care in a safe, supportive learning environment. 

Team members receive ongoing training in Applied Behavior Analysis and other interventions to continue their education and are evaluated constantly throughout the year. Our team excels at stimulating children to learn and preparing them for future education. Our team is devoted to making each day fun and educational. Their dedication makes all the difference for your children.

Ricky Teichman

Director

Hello and welcome! My name is Ricky and I am the Director of The Puzzle Place. My passion for working with young children with autism began when I was 16 years old volunteering for a respite program where I cared for children with autism for a couple of hours every day. Over the years I have held positions working with children in a variety of atmospheres, both inside and outside of the classroom. My dedication to providing high quality developmentally appropriate programming for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with autism and related disorders ultimately led me to pursue a leadership role within the field. My experience includes working as a Behavior Therapist with children aged 2-14 in a school setting, as well as an Early Intervention ABA Practitioner working with infants, toddlers and preschoolers with autism, asperger’s syndrome and various communication and social delays. I feel truly privileged to spend my days surrounded by the sounds of children discovering, learning, and growing! I hold my Bachelors Degree in the Behavioral Sciences and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Mercy College as well as certification for Early Childhood Education in both NY and NJ. In addition, I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, BCBA Supervisor and Licensed Behavior Analyst in the State of NY. I have also been trained in the Early Start Denver Model treatment for children with Autism and also in DIR/Floortime. I look forward to meeting and working with you and your children and sharing my experience and love of early learning with you!

Anna Mokrzecki
Anna MokrzeckiBCBA
My name is Anna Mokrzecki and I am thrilled to be working at the Puzzle Place as a supervising BCBA. I have received my certification in this field 3 years ago, but began my journey working with children with ASD 14 years ago through Early Intervention System. Since then, I have been able to gather new knowledge and experience by working in various settings; homes, schools, day programs and with individuals of all ages from infants to adolescents and all the way through late adulthood. I have always been drawn to working with young children and find this work to be extremely rewarding and fascinating. I believe that every moment spent with a child is a teaching opportunity and have seen that with a patient, dedicated and systematic approach, progress is inevitable!
Joanne
JoanneBehavior Technician
As someone who has spent her entire life interested in working with children and individuals with special needs, I started out pursuing a career as a teacher. In pursuant with my desire to make more of an impact on young lives, the field of Applied Behavior Analysis has given me the opportunity to help others achieve a better future. I am a Registered Behavioral Technician, and have my Master of Arts in Professional Behavior Analysis. My goal right now is to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. I truly love my work! My team members at The Puzzle Place are supportive, and help me grow as a therapist. The children are my first priority and I will always strive to help each individual reach his or her maximum potential!
Mary Pearson
Mary PearsonBehavior Technician
Mary Pearson is a Registered Behavior Technician with over fifteen years experience working with young children on the Autism Spectrum. Mary has provided therapy in home, school, and center based settings. She has been a part of The Puzzle Place team since 2019.
Shirley
ShirleyBehavior Technician
Hello, I’m Shirley and I’ve been working with children on the spectrum since 2020! As far as education goes, I’ve received my bachelors of psychology from Rutgers University and I’m currently in graduate school acquiring my masters in behavior analysis to become a BCBA. I’m very passionate about ABA. Watching a child grow from when they first start is incredible and so rewarding! There’s no better feeling than knowing you have made a difference in a child’s and family’s life! Working here has been amazing and I can’t wait to continue my progress in this uplifting field!
Morgan
MorganBehavior Technician
Hi, my name is Morgan! I received my Bachelors degree from the University of South Alabama and I am currently pursuing my Masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. I have been working with children on the spectrum for 3 years. I love what I do because I have the opportunity to give children the tools they need to grow and be the best version of themselves. My favorite part about working at The Puzzle Place is the amazing staff and children. The staff is so welcoming and are always going above and beyond for both the coworkers and children.
Rachael
RachaelBehavior Technician
I started my journey with The Puzzle Place over 2 years ago as an ABA therapist. Since then I have studied to be RBT certified and have continued growing through the support of board certified staff here at the center. I began in this field not knowing how much of a perfect fit it would be for me. Having the ability to be a part of something life changing is motivating on another level. I’ve been known to be quite the “Mary Poppins” having just about anything on hand, singing to about any tune, and always ready for an adventure. Although not magical, I try to make the best out of every situation and always put forth full effort in anything I do. Becoming an ABA therapist has shown me how impactful one person can be to another and it’s been “Practically perfect in every way”.
Marisa Csaby
Marisa CsabyBehavior Technician
Hi! I’m Marisa Csaby. I graduated with my Bachochers of Art in Psychology from Montclair State University. I started working with children on the spectrum around 2011. I love working with children and seeing how their minds grow. The progress children have, big or small, is so rewarding to see! The best part of working at The Puzzle Place is how the staff is so welcoming and helpful with everything.
Baila WeiswasserBehavior Technician
I received my Bachelors from Concordia College. I have been working with the Special Needs population for 10 years. I love working with this population because you get to meet people from all different walks of life and watch them grow. My ultimate goal is to work in the Pediatric Psychiatric field. Working at The Puzzle Place is fun and rewarding because of the positive work environment and awesome clients.
Ruchama OllechBCBA
Hi, my name is Ruchama Ollech. I work at The Puzzle Place Center for Autism as a BCBA. I received my masters degree from Daemen College and my BCBA certification from Florida Institute of Technology. I enjoy working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and watching them progress. I feel proud to be a part of a wonderful team at the puzzle place helping to bring meaningful change to the children that we service.
JillOffice Manager
I have been with The Puzzle Place for a little over 2 years now and have had such a rewarding experience here! I enjoy both my co-workers and all the little ones I see daily.
It is so rewarding to see the children grow by leaps and bounds in such a short period of time. Watching the positive input between the child and therapist throughout the day is just amazing!
Batsheva LapaSpeech Language Pathologist (SLP)
Batsheva Lapa has been part of the Puzzle Place since 2020. She has a Bachelors and Masters of Science in Speech Language and Communication from Touro College in New York. She has worked with young children throughout her career as a Speech Therapist, in a school district, outpatient clinic as well as private practice. She enjoys working with little kids and appreciates all the wonderful breakthroughs specific to kids with autism.
FaigeO'ccupational Therapist (OT)
Occupational Therapist.

“I will never be able to thank you and everyone at The Puzzle Place enough for getting James to where he is now”

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The Puzzle Place

A Playful Approach to Serious Therapy